There is not a single thing wrong with *his actual quote*. (Be sure not to focus on all the commentary around it.)

POD.

I guess in extremely technical terms he should have not addressed the issue at all so as to avoid any hint of requesting a specific gift or of implying people would be bringing gifts because everyone knows they don't have too . . . .

But let's be realistic. They are both celebs and can probably look forward to a mountain of stuff they have no need or desire for. Getting this statement out means when they turn around and stage an auction of stuff from people they barely know or otherwise donate gifts or cash, they should minimize any PR backlash from doing so.